Matty Johns NRL finals week two analysis: Danger men, game plans and how your team wins
Allianz Stadium is sold out for the Roosters versus Manly final tonight and ahead of the game MATTY JOHNS breaks down where the match will be won and lost.
More than 40,000 fans are expected to cram into Allianz Stadium with the Manly and Roosters clash officially a sellout.
The NRL put up the house full sign on Saturday afternoon hours before kick-off.
It means about 40,000 people will fill the stadium for the do or die clash which will be about double the amount of fans who attended Friday’s game.
The two high profile Sydney clubs have added to the anticipation with the winner 80 minutes away from a grand final. The winner will play the Storm in Melbourne on Friday night.
This comes after 50,714 attended last Sunday’s match between Canterbury and Manly at Accor Stadium.
MATTY TAKES A SEAT IN THE COACHING BOX
The Roosters host the Sea Eagles on Saturday night. The winner will still be a chance to play in the 2024 grand final and the loser can start making plans for 2025 – MATTY JOHNS previews the match.
ROOSTERS: IF I AM TRENT ROBINSON
WHAT I LEARNT FROM MANLY LAST WEEK
They are a far more gritty and resilient side than people give them credit for. Even under pressure, they’ll take this game to the 80th minute.
Keep close tabs on Luke Brooks, he was excellent in his first finals match and will be buzzing with confidence.
WE MUST STOP
Obviously Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic, but special emphasis on Haumole Olakau’atu, he’s been a powerhouse in the last month. He and Angus Crichton could be the biggest forward matchup of the season.
Manly derive great confidence from Olakau’atu bullying edge defenders.
HOW WE WIN
Make the Manly pack work double time. We do this by minimising Tom Trbojevic’s kick return impact and then crushing their plays two and three.
This will force Manly‘s big forwards to make a long run to get back behind the football. Then we double down by centralising what we do with the football to further drain their petrol tanks. Inside balls, fast man out of dummy half, Tedesco attacking them from first receiver. It will all take a heavy toll.
SEA EAGLES: IF I AM ANTHONY SEIBOLD
WHAT I LEARNT FROM THE ROOSTERS LAST WEEK
The Roosters were left in the barriers physically and emotionally. They started slow against Penrith and, defensively, were caught on their heels. I also learnt, even without key playmakers, give them good field position and they’ll score points.
I saw that they still can’t get Joey Manu into the game from left centre, so a tactical or positional switch wouldn’t surprise.
WE MUST STOP
Last week they lacked fire. It will be very different this week and they will be led by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Along with Joey Manu, Luke Keary, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Sitili Tupouniua, this could be the big enforcer’s last game with the club.
If it is, he will go out, guns blazing.
On top of that, Angus Crichton, the guy is a powerhouse.
HOW WILL WE WIN?
Start fast and be adventurous with the football. We look great when we come out of the sheds and play some sideline-to-sideline football early. Let’s see how they defend this and whether it pries open their middle.
In the second half, attack their tired big men with Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic and Luke Brooks through the centre field.
In defence, apply pressure to Sandon Smith and his kicks. When James Tedesco gets to first receiver, markers fade back fast to protect our big men closest to the ruck.
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